ANALYSIS OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE Financial Year 204 Distributed on Budget Day: 2 February 204
EXPLANATORY NOTES This document summarises and provides relevant highlights of the FY204 Revenue and Expenditure Estimates presented to Parliament on 2 February 204 as Cmd No. of 204.
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE UPDATE ON FINANCIAL YEAR 203..2.3.4.5.6 Expected Budget Outturn for FY203 Operating Revenue Total Expenditure Special Transfers Net Investment Returns Contribution Spending from the Government Endowment Funds 2 2 2 2 OUTLOOK FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 204 6 2. 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Budget for FY204 Operating Revenue Total Expenditure Special Transfers Fiscal Impulse 6 6 8 9 STATISTICAL ANNEX Table 3.a: Overall Fiscal Position for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.b: Overall Fiscal Position for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) Table 3.2a: Revenue Collections for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.2b: Revenue Collections for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) Table 3.3: Breakdown of Total Expenditure by Sector for FY203 and FY204 ($ million) Table 3.4: Operating Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.5: Development Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.6a: Total Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.6b: Total Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) Table 3.7: Total Expenditure by Expenditure Type for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) Table 3.8: Headcount by Ministry for FY2008 to FY204 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 20 2 23
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE U P D AT E ON FY203 O U T L OOK F OR FY204
Update on Financial Year 203. Expected Budget Outturn for FY203 After taking into account Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds, and before the Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC), the revised basic surplus is estimated at $.6 billion (or 0.4% of GDP). After factoring in the NIRC of $7.9 billion and Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds of $5.6 billion, the overall budget balance for FY203 is a surplus of $3.9 billion (or.% of GDP). The revised FY203 fiscal position is shown in Table...2 Operating Revenue FY203 Operating Revenue has been revised upwards by $2. billion (or 3.9%) to $57. billion. This is mainly due to higher-than-expected collections from Stamp Duty and Vehicle Quota Premiums. Stamp Duty collections are now estimated at $4. billion, up by $.0 billion (or 3.5%). Although cooling measures have reduced overall demand, the property market has remained firmer than expected. Vehicle Quota Premiums, i.e. receipts from Certificates of Entitlement (COE), are estimated to increase by $0.3 billion (or 3.2%) to $2.8 billion. Motor Vehicle Taxes are also projected to increase by $0. billion (or 8.7%) to $.7 billion. These increases are due to the higherthan-expected number of vehicle de-registrations which led to more COE quotas issued in FY203, an increase in net car registrations using COEs carried over from the previous year, as well as more commercial vehicles being renewed. Revenue from Other Fees and Charges is estimated at $2.9 billion, up by $0.2 billion (or 9.0%), mainly due to higher rental revenues for state properties, and higher school fees for permanent residents and foreigners. Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections are estimated to increase slightly by $0.2 billion (or 2.3%) to $9.5 billion, in line with private consumption growth in FY203. These increases are partly offset by a $0.4 billion (or 3.0%) decrease in estimated Corporate Income Tax (CIT) collections, due to higher claims for capital allowances. The distribution of Operating Revenue in FY203 by the various components is shown in Chart...3 Total Expenditure Revised FY203 Total Expenditure amounts to $52.3 billion (4.2% of GDP), $. billion (or 2.0%) lower than the budgeted FY203 estimate. Operating Expenditure is expected to be $40.4 billion, close to the budgeted FY203 estimate of $40.6 billion. Expenditure on Manpower is estimated at $6.9 billion, $0.2 billion (or 3.4%) higher than budgeted. This is offset by the expected reduction of $0.3 billion (or.8%) in Other Operating Expenditure. Development Expenditure is expected to be $.9 billion, lower than the budgeted FY203 estimate by $0.9 billion (or 6.8%). This is mainly due to lower expenditure on public infrastructure, arising from slower-than-expected rail, road and public housing upgrading
works. There were unforeseen delays in Downtown Line Stage 2 construction arising from the insolvency of one of the contractors and slower work progress due to the difficult terrain. The lower spending for public housing upgrading programmes was due to slow progress of the services diversion works for the Lift Upgrading Programme, and deferment in the commencement of construction works for some projects under the Home Improvement Programme. The Social Development sector continues to take up the largest share of Total Expenditure at 46.6%, followed by Security and External Relations (3.5%). The breakdown of government spending by the major sectors is provided in Chart.2..4 Special Transfers Special Transfers are expected to total $8.8 billion in FY203, higher by $.9 billion (or 27.9%) from the budgeted estimate. This is mainly due to higher Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Bonus and PIC cash payouts, as well as the bringing forward of the first tranche of the Wage Credit Scheme payout to FY203. Table.2 shows a summary of the Special Transfers in Budget 203..5 Net Investment Returns Contribution The Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) for FY203 is projected to be $7.9 billion, $0.2 billion (or 3.0%) more than the budgeted estimate..6 Spending from the Government Endowment Funds In FY203, spending from the five government endowment funds is expected to reach about $62 million. $90 million from the Edusave Endowment Fund is expected to be spent in the education sector, $25 million from the Medical Endowment Fund and ElderCare Fund in the healthcare sector, and an estimated $68 million from the Community Care Endowment Fund in the social and family sector. Spending from the Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund to support continuing education and skills upgrading for adult Singaporeans is expected to be $48 million. 2
Table.: Fiscal Position in FY202 and FY203 Revised FY203 Actual Estimated Revised Compared to FY202 FY203 FY203 Actual Estimated FY202 FY203 $ billion $ billion $ billion % change % change OPERATING REVENUE 55.8 55.03 57.5 2.4 3.9 Corporate Income Tax 2.82 2.94 2.55 (2.) (3.0) Personal Income Tax 7.7 7.56 7.65 (0.9). Withholding Tax.34.4.3 (5.5) (0.9) Statutory Boards Contributions 0.54 0.33 0.53 (.7) 58.9 Assets Taxes 3.77 4.09 4.23 2.4 3.5 Customs and Excise Taxes 2.4 2.3 2.20 2.6 2.9 Goods and Services Tax 9.04 9.3 9.52 5.3 2.3 Motor Vehicle Taxes.80.55.69 (6.5) 8.7 Vehicle Quota Premiums 2.57 2.44 2.76 7.2 3.2 Betting Taxes 2.30 2.30 2.34.4.7 Stamp Duty 4.3 3.08 4.05 (6.0) 3.5 Other Taxes 4.34 5.4 5.26 2.2 2.4 Other Fees and Charges 2.7 2.69 2.93 8.2 9.0 Others 0.42 0.33 0.32 (24.2) (4.4) Less: TOTAL EXPENDITURE 49.00 53.4 52.34 6.8 (2.0) Operating Expenditure 36.42 40.63 40.43.0 (0.5) Development Expenditure 2.58 2.78.9 (5.3) (6.8) PRIMARY SURPLUS / DEFICIT 6.8.62 4.80 Less: SPECIAL TRANSFERS 2 8.86 6.90 8.82 (0.5) 27.9 Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds.46.30 3.22 GST Voucher and GST Voucher Special Payment 3 0.6 0.68 0.68 Utilities-Save Rebates and Service and Conservancy Charges Rebates 0.00 0.08 0.08 CPF Medisave Top-ups 0.40 0.3 0.3 Productivity and Innovation Credit 0.09 0.07 0.65 Productivity and Innovation Credit Bonus - 0.5 0.64 Wage Credit Scheme - - 0.82 SME Cash Grant 0.34 0.0 0.04 Other Transfers 4 0.0 0.0 0.0 BASIC SURPLUS / DEFICIT 5 5.35 0.32.58 Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds 7.40 5.59 5.59 Top-ups to Endowment Funds 6.00 2.32 2.32 GST Voucher Fund 2.95 3.00 3.00 Bus Service Enhancement Fund.0 - - Special Employment Credit Fund 2.35 - - Cultural Matching Fund 7-0.20 0.20 National Youth Fund - 0.07 0.07 Add: NET INVESTMENT RETURNS CONTRIBUTION 7.87 7.70 7.94 0.9 3.0 OVERALL BUDGET SURPLUS / DEFICIT 5.82 2.42 3.92 Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add up. Negative figures are shown in parentheses. 2 3 4 5 6 7 Surplus / Deficit before Special Transfers and Net Investment Returns Contribution. Special Transfers include Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds. Consists of a cash component, Utilities-Save Rebates and CPF Medisave Top-ups. Consists of Growth Dividends, GST Credits, Child Development Credits, Top-ups to Post-Secondary Education Accounts, and funds set aside for Self-Help Groups and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Surplus / Deficit before Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds and Net Investment Returns Contribution. Consists of the Community Care Endowment Fund, Edusave Endowment Fund, ElderCare Fund, Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund and Medical Endowment Fund. The Cultural Donation Matching Fund has been re-named as the Cultural Matching Fund. 3
Chart.: Breakdown of Government Operating Revenue in FY203 Other Taxes 9.2% Other Fees and Charges 5.% Others 0.6% Corporate Income Tax 22.0% Stamp Duty 7.% Betting Taxes 4.% Personal Income Vehicle Quota Tax Premiums 3.4% 4.8% Withholding Tax Motor Vehicle 2.0% Taxes 2.9% Statutory Boards Contributions Goods and 0.9% Services Tax Customs and Assets Taxes 6.7% Excise Taxes 7.4% 3.8% Chart.2: Breakdown of Government Spending by Sector in FY203 Economic Development, $9.5 billion, 8.% Government Administration, $2.0 billion, 3.8% Social Development, $24.4 billion, 46.6% Security and External Relations, $6.5 billion, 3.5% 4
Table.2: Summary of FY203 Special Transfers Measures Total Cost in FY203 ($ million) Special Transfers: 8,87 Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds Wage Credit Scheme 820 GST Voucher and GST Voucher Special Payment comprising: i. Cash for lower-income Singaporeans ii. CPF Medisave Top-ups for elderly Singaporeans 680 iii. Utilities-Save Rebates for lower- and middle-income households Productivity and Innovation Credit 650 Productivity and Innovation Credit Bonus 640 CPF Medisave Top-ups 308 Utilities-Save Rebates and Service and Conservancy Charges Rebates 77 SME Cash Grant 43 Others # 5 Sub-Total 3,223 Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds GST Voucher Fund 3,000 Medical Endowment Fund,000 Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund 500 Edusave Endowment Fund 372 Eldercare Fund 250 Community Care Endowment Fund 200 Cultural Matching Fund 200 National Youth Fund 72 Sub-Total 5,594 # Consists of Growth Dividends, GST Credits, Child Development Credits, Top-ups to Post-Secondary Education Accounts, and funds set aside for Self-Help Groups and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. 5
2 Outlook for Financial Year 204 2. Budget for FY204 A basic deficit of $0.8 billion (or 0.2% of GDP) is expected for FY204. After factoring in Topups to Endowment and Trust Funds of $8.5 billion and NIRC of $8. billion, the estimated outturn for FY204 is an overall budget deficit of $.2 billion (or 0.3% of GDP). The FY204 Budget is summarised in Table 2.. 2.2 Operating Revenue Operating Revenue for FY204 is projected at $59.5 billion (or 5.3% of GDP). This is an increase of $2.4 billion (or 4.%) over the revised FY203 estimate. A comparison of FY203 and FY204 Operating Revenue is shown in Chart 2.. Personal Income Tax collections are expected to increase by $. billion (or 4.9%) from the revised FY203 estimate to $8.8 billion. More than half of the increase is due to the expiry of the tax rebate for Year of Assessment (YA) 203, which amounted to $700 million in FY203. Corporate Income Tax collections are expected to increase in line with economic growth by $0.5 billion (or 3.9%) from the revised FY203 estimate to $3.0 billion in FY204, after taking into account the tax rebate for YA204. Other Taxes are estimated to be $5.8 billion in FY204, $0.6 billion (or 0.5%) higher than the revised FY203 estimate, mainly driven by higher Foreign Worker Levy collections resulting from the previously announced changes in the levy schedule for 204. Goods and Services Tax collections are estimated at $0. billion, $0.6 billion (or 6.%) higher than the revised FY203 estimate, in line with the expansion of private consumption expenditure. Stamp Duty collections are projected to decline by $.2 billion (or 30.0%) to $2.8 billion in FY204, as some cooling in the property market is expected. Motor Vehicle Taxes are also estimated to decrease by $0.3 billion (or 9.5%) to $.4 billion in FY204, due to higher rebates arising from a higher expected number of vehicle deregistrations. Historical data for the revenue items are provided in Tables 3.2a and 3.2b in the Statistical Annex. 6
Table 2.: Fiscal Position in FY204 Revised Estimated Change over FY203 FY204 Revised FY203 $ billion $ billion $ billion % change OPERATING REVENUE 57.5 59.5 2.37 4. Corporate Income Tax 2.55 3.03 0.49 3.9 Personal Income Tax 7.65 8.79.4 4.9 Withholding Tax.3.9 0.06 5.7 Statutory Boards Contributions 0.53 0.49 (0.04) (7.4) Assets Taxes 4.23 4.35 0.2 2.7 Customs and Excise Taxes 2.20 2.6 0.4 8.9 Goods and Services Tax 9.52 0. 0.58 6. Motor Vehicle Taxes.69.36 (0.33) (9.5) Vehicle Quota Premiums 2.76 2.95 0.20 7. Betting Taxes 2.34 2.58 0.25 0.6 Stamp Duty 4.05 2.84 (.22) (30.0) Other Taxes 5.26 5.82 0.55 0.5 Other Fees and Charges 2.93 3.07 0.4 4.9 Others 0.32 0.32 0.00.5 Less: TOTAL EXPENDITURE 52.34 56.66 4.32 8.3 Operating Expenditure 40.43 42.88 2.45 6. Development Expenditure.9 3.78.87 5.7 PRIMARY SURPLUS / DEFICIT 4.80 2.85 Less: SPECIAL TRANSFERS 2 8.82 2. 3.29 37.4 Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds 3.22 3.6 GST Voucher Special Payment 3 0.68 0.28 Utilities-Save Rebates and Service and Conservancy Charges Rebates 0.08 0.08 CPF Medisave Top-ups 0.3 0.2 Pioneer Generation Package - 0.26 Productivity and Innovation Credit 0.65 0.74 Productivity and Innovation Credit Bonus 0.64 0.32 Wage Credit Scheme 0.82.76 SME Cash Grant 0.04 0.03 Other Transfers 4 0.0 0.02 BASIC SURPLUS / DEFICIT 5.58 (0.76) Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds 5.59 8.50 Top-ups to Endowment Funds 6 2.32 0.50 GST Voucher Fund 3.00 - Cultural Matching Fund 7 0.20 - National Youth Fund 0.07 - Pioneer Generation Fund - 8.00 Add: NET INVESTMENT RETURNS CONTRIBUTION 7.94 8.0 0.6 2.0 OVERALL BUDGET SURPLUS / DEFICIT 3.92 (.6) Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add up. Negative figures are shown in parentheses. Surplus / Deficit before Special Transfers and Net Investment Returns Contribution. 2 Special Transfers include Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds. 3 The Special Payment committed in Budget 203 consists of a cash component, Utilities-Save Rebates and CPF Medisave Topups. The Special Payment introduced in Budget 204 comprises the GST Voucher Cash: Seniors Bonus and Utilities-Save Rebates. 4 Consists of Growth Dividends, GST Credits, Child Development Credits, Top-ups to Post-Secondary Education Accounts, public transport vouchers and funds set aside for Self-Help Groups and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. 5 Surplus / Deficit before Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds and Net Investment Returns Contribution. 6 Consists of the Community Care Endowment Fund, Edusave Endowment Fund, ElderCare Fund, Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund and Medical Endowment Fund. 7 The Cultural Donation Matching Fund has been re-named as the Cultural Matching Fund. 7
Chart 2.: Breakdown of Government Operating Revenue (FY203 and FY204) Corporate Income Tax 2.5 3.0 Personal Income Tax 7.6 8.8 Withholding Tax..2 Statutory Boards Contributions 0.5 0.5 Assets Taxes 4.2 4.4 Customs and Excise Taxes 2.2 2.6 Goods and Services Tax 9.5 0. Motor Vehicle Taxes.7.4 Vehicle Quota Premiums 2.8 3.0 Betting Taxes 2.3 2.6 Stamp Duty 2.8 4. Other Taxes Other Fees and Charges 2.9 3. 5.3 5.8 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Others 0.3 0.3 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 $ billion 2.3 Total Expenditure FY204 Total Expenditure is estimated to be $56.7 billion (or 4.6% of GDP). This is an increase of $4.3 billion (or 8.3%) from the revised FY203 estimate of $52.3 billion. The main increases in expenditure over FY203 are in Health, Culture, Community and Youth, and National Development (see Chart 2.2). Health expenditure is expected to increase by $.3 billion (or 22.5%). This is mainly due to higher manpower costs arising from salary adjustments and the ramping up of manpower for new facilities, as well as higher subvention for healthcare institutions to cater for growth in patient subsidies. The increase in expenditure is also driven by the acceleration of healthcare infrastructure development. Expenditure for Culture, Community and Youth is expected to increase by $0.6 billion (or 44.5%) mainly due to the development of the Tampines Town Hub, and provisions for replacement and upgrading works for facilities under the People s Association, the Singapore Sports Council and the National Heritage Board. National Development expenditure is expected to increase by $0.4 billion (or 28.4%), mainly due to higher housing grants as well as increased spending on the Home Improvement Programme and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, as more units are expected to undergo upgrading. A detailed breakdown of government expenditure by sector is provided in Tables 3.3 to 3.6b in the Statistical Annex. 8
Chart 2.2: Breakdown of Total Expenditure by Sector (FY203 and FY204) Defence Education Transport Health Home Affairs Trade and Industry Social and Family Development National Development Culture, Community and Youth Environment and Water Resources Manpower Finance Communications and Information Law Organs of State Foreign Affairs Prime Minister's Office.3.4.2.2 0.8 0.9 0.7. 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 2.7 2.6.7.9.6 2.0.4 2.0 3.9 4.2 5.9 6.2 5.8 7. 2.2 2.6.6.5 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) 0 5 0 5 $ billion 2.4 Special Transfers Special Transfers to Households ($762 million) Budget 204 will provide direct assistance to households with the GST Voucher Special Payment and CPF Medisave Top-ups for older Singaporeans. These transfers to households will total $762 million (details in Table 2.2). Special Transfers to Businesses ($2.8 billion) To help businesses restructure, we will provide about $2. billion in FY204 under the Transition Support Package committed in Budget 203. Of this amount, $.8 billion will be for the Wage Credit Scheme and $320 million for the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Bonus. We will also be providing a further $740 million to businesses through the PIC cash payout. In total, special transfers to businesses will amount to $2.8 billion (details in Table 2.3). Top-ups to Funds to Support Longer-term Commitments ($8.5 billion) In Budget 204, the Government will set aside $8.0 billion for the Pioneer Generation Fund, to provide for the future healthcare needs of the Pioneer Generation. We will also make a further top-up of $500 million to the Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund, to support our longterm commitment in enhancing the employability of our workforce. In total, $8.5 billion will be committed for fund top-ups (details in Table 2.4). 9
Table 2.2: Special Transfers to Households Measures Total Cost in FY204 ($ million) GST Voucher Special Payment^ 28 Pioneer Generation Package Benefits for FY204 260 CPF Medisave Top-ups 5 Service and Conservancy Charges Rebates 83 Others # 23 Total 762 ^ Comprises $70 million for the GST Voucher Cash: Seniors Bonus, $0 million for the GST Voucher: Utilities-Save Rebates and $ million for the previous GST Voucher Special Payment committed in Budget 203. # Consists of Growth Dividends, GST Credits, Child Development Credits, Top-ups to Post- Secondary Education Accounts, public transport vouchers and funds set aside for Self-Help Groups and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Table 2.3: Special Transfers to Businesses Measures Total Cost in FY204 ($ million) Wage Credit Scheme,760 Productivity and Innovation Credit 740 Productivity and Innovation Credit Bonus 320 SME Cash Grant 29 Total 2,849 Table 2.4: Top-ups to Funds to Support Longer-term Commitments Measures Top-up Amount in FY204 ($ million) Pioneer Generation Fund 8,000 Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund 500 Total 8,500 0
2.5 Fiscal Impulse The global macroeconomic outlook is expected to continue to improve modestly in 204, supported by the on-going recovery in the advanced economies. Some uncertainties remain, such as the risk of a sharper-than-expected slowdown in China, and the pace of tapering of quantitative easing in the United States. The Singapore economy grew 4.% in 203, and is expected to continue growing at a moderate pace of 2 to 4% for 204. However, the exceptional growth in 200 means that the economy has been operating at above potential since recovering from the global financial crisis. Although the output gap has receded significantly, it is still expected to remain positive in FY204. The fiscal impulse is expected to be slightly positive in FY204 (see Chart 2.3). This is mainly due to increase in expenditure on infrastructure and higher transfers to businesses in the second year of the three-year Transition Support Package. A successful restructuring of the economy would increase the potential of the economy and help to reduce the output gap. Chart 2.3: Fiscal Impulse and Output Gap 5.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0.0.0 0.0 0.0 -.0 -.0-2.0-2.0-3.0-3.0 FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 FY204 (revised) (estimated) Fiscal Impulse (LHS) Output Gap (RHS)
STATISTICAL ANNEX 2
Table 3.a: Overall Fiscal Position for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 FY204 (Revised) (Budgeted) Operating Revenue 4,086 39,547 46,060 5,077 55,84 57,47 59,53 Tax Revenue 37,709 36,67 4,848 46,076 50,9 5,45 53,68 Fees and Charges 3,22 2,765 3,986 4,699 5,280 5,687 6,025 Others 65 65 226 302 46 35 320 Total Expenditure 38,09 4,89 45,338 46,563 49,004 52,345 56,664 Operating Expenditure 28,734 30,909 33,270 35,50 36,42 40,432 42,880 Development Expenditure 9,357 0,982 2,068,43 2,583,93 3,785 Primary Surplus / Deficit 2,996 (2,344) 722 4,54 6,8 4,803 2,848 Special Transfers 2 7,099 5,48 7,095 8,427 8,860 8,87 2, Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds 4,089 4,07,505 2,909,458 3,223 3,6 Basic Surplus / Deficit 3 (,093) (6,46) (782),605 5,353,579 (763) Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds 3,00,40 5,590 5,57 7,402 5,594 8,500 NII / NIR Contribution 4 4,343 7,006 7,352 7,96 7,870 7,937 8,098 Overall Budget Surplus / Deficit 239 (89) 980 4,003 5,82 3,923 (,65) STATISTICAL ANNEX Table 3.b: Overall Fiscal Position for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Operating Revenue 5.5% 3.8% 4.2% 5.2% 6.% 5.5% 5.3% Tax Revenue 4.2% 2.7% 2.9% 3.7% 4.4% 3.9% 3.7% Fees and Charges.2%.0%.2%.4%.5%.5%.5% Others 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Total Expenditure 4.4% 4.6% 4.0% 3.8% 4.% 4.2% 4.6% Operating Expenditure 0.8% 0.8% 0.3% 0.4% 0.5%.0%.0% Development Expenditure 3.5% 3.8% 3.7% 3.4% 3.6% 3.2% 3.5% Primary Surplus / Deficit.% (0.8%) 0.2%.3% 2.0%.3% 0.7% Special Transfers 2 2.7%.9% 2.2% 2.5% 2.6% 2.4% 3.% Special Transfers Excluding Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds.5%.4% 0.5% 0.9% 0.4% 0.9% 0.9% Basic Surplus / Deficit 3 (0.4%) (2.2%) (0.2%) 0.5%.5% 0.4% (0.2%) Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds.% 0.5%.7%.6% 2.%.5% 2.2% NII / NIR Contribution 4.6% 2.4% 2.3% 2.4% 2.3% 2.% 2.% Overall Budget Surplus / Deficit 0.% (0.3%) 0.3%.2%.7%.% (0.3%) Note: Negative figures are shown in parentheses. 2 3 4 Development Expenditure excludes land-related expenditure. Special Transfers include Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds. Surplus / Deficit before Top-ups to Endowment and Trust Funds and Net Investment Income / Returns Contribution. Prior to FY2009, up to 50% of Net Investment Income (NII) could be taken into the annual budget for spending. With effect from FY2009, under the Net Investment Returns (NIR) framework, up to 50% of the expected long-term real returns on the relevant assets specified in the Constitution can be taken in for spending. For the other assets, up to 50% of investment income can continue to be used for spending in the annual budget. 3
Table 3.2a: Revenue Collections for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY203 FY204 FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 (Revised) (Budgeted) Operating Revenue 4,086 39,547 46,060 5,077 55,84 57,47 59,53 Corporate Income Tax 0,554 9,55 0,687 2,096 2,82 2,546 3,03 Personal Income Tax 5,44 6,4 6,470 6,87 7,74 7,648 8,790 Withholding Tax,76,37 957,258,337,30,94 Statutory Boards Contributions 2,43 40 573 353 539 530 49 Assets Taxes 2,904,987 2,803 3,902 3,768 4,234 4,350 Customs and Excise Taxes 2,065 2,25 2,048 2,33 2,42 2,98 2,62 Goods and Services Tax 6,487 6,94 8,98 8,687 9,038 9,52 0,06 Motor Vehicle Taxes,835,856,85,920,803,685,357 Vehicle Quota Premiums 367 623,602 2,2 2,572 2,757 2,953 Betting Taxes,77,727 2,279 2,373 2,305 2,336 2,583 Stamp Duty,432 2,386 3,277 3,75 4,309 4,053 2,836 Other Taxes,929 2,40 2,706 3,307 4,342 5,264 5,87 Other Fees and Charges 2 2,845 2,42 2,384 2,587 2,708 2,929 3,072 Others 65 65 226 302 46 35 320 Table 3.2b: Revenue Collections for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) FY203 FY204 FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 (Revised) (Budgeted) Operating Revenue 5.5% 3.8% 4.2% 5.2% 6.% 5.5% 5.3% Corporate Income Tax 4.0% 3.3% 3.3% 3.6% 3.7% 3.4% 3.4% Personal Income Tax 2.0% 2.% 2.0% 2.0% 2.2% 2.% 2.3% Withholding Tax 0.4% 0.4% 0.3% 0.4% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% Statutory Boards Contributions 0.8% 0.% 0.2% 0.% 0.2% 0.% 0.% Assets Taxes.% 0.7% 0.9%.2%.%.%.% Customs and Excise Taxes 0.8% 0.7% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.7% Goods and Services Tax 2.4% 2.4% 2.5% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% Motor Vehicle Taxes 0.7% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.3% Vehicle Quota Premiums 0.% 0.2% 0.5% 0.6% 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% Betting Taxes 0.7% 0.6% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.6% 0.7% Stamp Duty 0.5% 0.8%.0% 0.9%.2%.% 0.7% Other Taxes 0.7% 0.8% 0.8%.0%.3%.4%.5% Other Fees and Charges 2.% 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% Others 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. 2 Includes Foreign Worker Levy, Development Charge, Annual Tonnage Tax and Water Conservation Tax. Includes revenue from Licenses, Permits, Service Fees, Sales of Goods, Rental of Premises, Fines and Forfeitures and Reimbursements. 4 STATISTICAL ANNEX
Table 3.3: Breakdown of Total Expenditure by Sector for FY203 and FY204 ($ million) FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Total Operating Development Total Operating Development Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Total 52,345 40,432,93 56,664 42,880 3,785 Social Development 24,377 2,078 3,298 27,032 22,69 4,43 Education,599 0,720 879,486 0,598 888 National Development,555 642 93,997 870,26 Health 5,808 5,083 725 7,5 6,034,08 Environment and Water Resources,280 957 324,449,033 46 Culture, Community and Youth 2,358,07 34,963,284 678 Social and Family Development 2,69,645 46,865,796 69 Communications and Information 2 44 343 7 489 335 55 Manpower (Financial Security) 3 67 67 0 669 669 0 STATISTICAL ANNEX Security and External Relations 6,506 5,666 840 7,236 6,328 908 Defence 2,75,735 440 2,566 2,37 429 Home Affairs 3,882 3,542 340 4,209 3,770 439 Foreign Affairs 449 389 60 462 422 40 Economic Development 9,47 2,062 7,40 9,980 2,243 7,737 Transport 5,944 572 5,372 6,72 639 5,533 Trade and Industry 2,664 75,949 2,647 708,939 Manpower (excluding Financial Security) 539 508 30 578 524 54 Info-Communications and Media Development 2 324 267 58 584 372 22 Government Administration,99,626 365 2,46,690 726 Finance 765 739 27 852 695 57 Law 442 7 27 636 93 443 Organs of State 403 380 23 477 422 55 Prime Minister's Office 380 336 45 45 380 7 Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. Development Expenditure excludes land-related expenditure. 2 With effect from November 202, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) were restructured to form three Ministries: (i) MCYS was re-named as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), (ii) MICA was re-named as the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and (iii) the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) was formed to undertake functions transferred from MCYS and MICA. 3 The Financial Security and Lifelong Employability for Singaporeans programme has been re-named as the Financial Security for Singaporeans programme. 5
Table 3.4: Operating Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Total 28,734 30,909 33,270 35,50 36,42 40,432 42,880 Social Development 3,200 4,74 6,459 8,056 8,496 2,078 22,69 Education 7,477 7,838 8,999 9,698 9,637 0,720 0,598 National Development 805 959 790,428 949 642 870 Health 2,379 2,920 3,258 3,489 4,066 5,083 6,034 Environment and Water Resources 606 656 720 726 83 957,033 Culture, Community and Youth - - - - 364,07,284 Social and Family Development,82,565,829,72,739,645,796 Communications and Information 42 422 500 525 430 343 335 Manpower (Financial Security) 2 340 354 364 469 497 67 669 Security and External Relations 3,29 3,523 3,920 4,088 4,678 5,666 6,328 Defence 0,397 0,603 0,623 0,797,056,735 2,37 Home Affairs 2,478 2,577 2,937 2,947 3,266 3,542 3,770 Foreign Affairs 344 343 360 344 355 389 422 Economic Development,284,565,666,675,870 2,062 2,243 Transport 367 37 456 464 502 572 639 Trade and Industry 660 704 684 67 685 75 708 Manpower (excluding Financial Security) 224 44 439 380 456 508 524 Info-Communications and Media Development 34 76 88 60 227 267 372 Government Administration,030,07,225,33,378,626,690 Finance 484 528 552 67 63 739 695 Law 8 27 9 23 63 7 93 Organs of State 235 249 33 38 326 380 422 Prime Minister's Office 94 203 240 273 259 336 380 Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. With effect from November 202, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) were restructured to form three Ministries: (i) MCYS was re-named as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), (ii) MICA was re-named as the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and (iii) the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) was formed to undertake functions transferred from MCYS and MICA. 2 The Financial Security and Lifelong Employability for Singaporeans programme has been re-named as the Financial Security for Singaporeans programme. 6 STATISTICAL ANNEX
Table 3.5: Development Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 FY204 (Revised) (Budgeted) Total 9,357 0,982 2,068,43 2,583,93 3,785 Social Development 2,738 3,43 3,643 3,603 3,382 3,298 4,43 Education 753 847 877,042 860 879 888 National Development,095,307,646,572,354 93,26 Health 336 7 485 453 605 725,08 Environment and Water Resources 325 323 406 349 352 324 46 Culture, Community and Youth 2 - - - - 95 34 678 Social and Family Development 2 96 5 20 64 37 46 69 Communications and Information 2 32 28 09 23 79 7 55 Manpower (Financial Security) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 STATISTICAL ANNEX Security and External Relations 777 86 78 78 720 840 908 Defence 328 440 438 479 468 440 429 Home Affairs 387 350 240 94 207 340 439 Foreign Affairs 6 7 40 44 45 60 40 Economic Development 5,644 6,477 7,490 6,896 7,955 7,40 7,737 Transport 3,379 4,082 4,250 4,003 5,44 5,372 5,533 Trade and Industry 2,83 2,334 2,673 2,553 2,387,949,939 Manpower (excluding Financial Security) 35 22 42 62 28 30 54 Info-Communications and Media Development 2 48 38 525 278 26 58 22 Government Administration 98 23 27 97 527 365 726 Finance 25 7 2 30 24 27 57 Law 53 66 48 30 36 27 443 Organs of State 0 7 4 7 63 23 55 Prime Minister's Office 9 2 34 20 23 45 7 Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. 2 Development Expenditure excludes land-related expenditure. With effect from November 202, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) were restructured to form three Ministries: (i) MCYS was re-named as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), (ii) MICA was re-named as the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and (iii) the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) was formed to undertake functions transferred from MCYS and MICA. 3 The Financial Security and Lifelong Employability for Singaporeans programme has been re-named as the Financial Security for Singaporeans programme. 7
Table 3.6a: Total Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Total 38,09 4,89 45,338 46,563 49,004 52,345 56,664 Social Development 5,938 8,46 20,02 2,660 2,877 24,377 27,032 Education 8,230 8,685 9,875 0,740 0,497,599,486 National Development,900 2,266 2,436 3,000 2,303,555,997 Health 2,75 3,63 3,743 3,942 4,67 5,808 7,5 Environment and Water Resources 93 979,26,075,65,280,449 Culture, Community and Youth - - - - 460,358,963 Social and Family Development,278,680,949,785,776,69,865 Communications and Information 545 550 609 647 508 44 489 Manpower (Financial Security) 2 34 354 364 469 497 67 669 Security and External Relations 3,996 4,383 4,638 4,806 5,397 6,506 7,236 Defence 0,726,043,06,276,524 2,75 2,566 Home Affairs 2,865 2,927 3,77 3,4 3,473 3,882 4,209 Foreign Affairs 406 43 399 388 400 449 462 Economic Development 6,928 8,042 9,57 8,570 9,825 9,47 9,980 Transport 3,746 4,453 4,706 4,467 5,96 5,944 6,72 Trade and Industry 2,843 3,038 3,357 3,224 3,073 2,664 2,647 Manpower (excluding Financial Security) 258 436 482 442 484 539 578 Info-Communications and Media Development 8 4 63 438 353 324 584 Government Administration,228,320,442,528,904,99 2,46 Finance 509 545 573 647 655 765 852 Law 27 293 267 253 479 442 636 Organs of State 245 267 327 335 489 403 477 Prime Minister's Office 203 25 274 293 282 380 45 Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. With effect from November 202, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) were restructured to form three Ministries: (i) MCYS was re-named as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), (ii) MICA was re-named as the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and (iii) the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) was formed to undertake functions transferred from MCYS and MICA. 2 The Financial Security and Lifelong Employability for Singaporeans programme has been re-named as the Financial Security for Singaporeans programme. STATISTICAL ANNEX 8
Table 3.6b: Total Expenditure by Sector for FY2008 to FY204 (% of GDP) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Total 4.4% 4.6% 4.0% 3.8% 4.% 4.2% 4.6% Social Development 6.0% 6.3% 6.2% 6.4% 6.3% 6.6% 7.0% Education 3.% 3.0% 3.% 3.2% 3.0% 3.% 3.0% National Development 0.7% 0.8% 0.8% 0.9% 0.7% 0.4% 0.5% Health.0%.3%.2%.2%.3%.6%.8% Environment and Water Resources 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.4% Culture, Community and Youth - - - - 0.% 0.4% 0.5% Social and Family Development 0.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% Communications and Information 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.% 0.% 0.% Manpower (Financial Security) 2 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.2% 0.2% STATISTICAL ANNEX Security and External Relations 5.3% 5.0% 4.5% 4.4% 4.4% 4.5% 4.4% Defence 4.0% 3.8% 3.4% 3.3% 3.3% 3.3% 3.2% Home Affairs.%.0%.0% 0.9%.0%.%.% Foreign Affairs 0.2% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Economic Development 2.6% 2.8% 2.8% 2.5% 2.8% 2.6% 2.6% Transport.4%.6%.5%.3%.7%.6%.6% Trade and Industry.%.%.0%.0% 0.9% 0.7% 0.7% Manpower (excluding Financial Security) 0.% 0.2% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Info-Communications and Media Development 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.2% Government Administration 0.5% 0.5% 0.4% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.6% Finance 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% Law 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.2% Organs of State 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Prime Minister's Office 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.% Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. With effect from November 202, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) were restructured to form three Ministries: (i) MCYS was re-named as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), (ii) MICA was re-named as the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and (iii) the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) was formed to undertake functions transferred from MCYS and MICA. 2 The Financial Security and Lifelong Employability for Singaporeans programme has been re-named as the Financial Security for Singaporeans programme. 9
Table 3.7: Total Expenditure by Expenditure Type for FY2008 to FY204 ($ million) FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) FY204 (Budgeted) Total Expenditure 38,09 4,89 45,338 46,563 49,004 52,345 56,664 Operating Expenditure 28,734 30,909 33,270 35,50 36,42 40,432 42,880 Running Costs 23,082 24,232 25,90 26,733 27,530 29,778 3,509 Expenditure on Manpower 4,677 4,765 5,857 5,668 6,23 6,886 7,083 Other Operating Expenditure 3,537 3,974 4,067 4,38 4,644 5,86 6,564 Grants, Subventions & Capital Injections to Organisations 4,868 5,493 5,986 6,747 6,654 7,076 7,863 Transfers 5,65 6,677 7,360 8,47 8,89 0,654,370 Social Transfers to Individuals,34,409,483,690,90 2,40 2,529 Transfers to Institutions & Organisations 4,398 5,3 5,742 6,622 6,87 8,060 8,698 International Organisations & Overseas Development Assistance 9 37 36 05 09 83 43 Development Expenditure 9,357 0,982 2,068,43 2,583,93 3,785 Government Development 3,285 4,309 4,529 4,388 4,760 4,044 4,843 Grants & Capital Injections to Organisations 6,072 6,673 7,538 7,025 7,823 7,869 8,942 Note: Figures may not add up due to rounding. Development Expenditure excludes land-related expenditure. 20 STATISTICAL ANNEX
Table 3.8: Headcount by Ministry for FY2008 to FY204 FY2008 FY2009 FY200 FY20 FY202 FY203 (Revised) 2 Civil List 55 54 53 56 5 62 62 Attorney-General's Chambers 267 338 355 47 478 55 60 Auditor-General's Office 4 45 59 59 72 78 82 Cabinet Office 2 0 0 0 2 FY204 (Budgeted) 3 Judicature 566 66 638 700 749 889,003 Parliament 44 42 45 46 47 62 62 Presidential Councils 8 8 4 4 4 6 6 Public Service Commission 9 2 3 3 3 3 4 Social and Family Development 4,90 4,424 4,835 4,757,7,692,75 Defence,524,525 283 282 282 282 282 Education 47,737 5,52 52,278 53,947 56,06 6,40 6,850 Environment and Water Resources 3,7 3,696 3,995 4,076 4,508 4,526 4,698 Finance 3,074 3,260 3,409 3,452 3,547 3,763 3,824 Foreign Affairs,78,234,249,269,343,570,575 Health,75,29,349,432,457,47,472 Home Affairs 20,808 22,875 23,324 23,949 24,460 26,26 26,606 Communications and Information 2,869 2,975 3,688 3,863 3,36 3,867 3,878 Law 760 765 8 87 933 994,023 Manpower,797 2,037 2,54 2,94 2,477 2,552 2,584 National Development 6,90 7,5 7,06 7,27 7,337 8,234 9,003 Prime Minister's Office 52 525 63 740 809 940,008 Trade and Industry 2,636 2,795 2,664 2,93 2,874 3,067 3,049 Transport 3,753 4,204 4,233 4,394 4,6 5,523 5,770 Culture, Community and Youth - - - - 4,624 4,788 4,862 Total 03,708,388 3,224 6,779 2,370 32,576 35,77 STATISTICAL ANNEX 2 3 Figures for FY2008 to FY202 refer to actual headcount. Figures for FY203 are revised establishment estimates. Figures for FY204 are budgeted establishment estimates. Note: Establishments reflect the number of officers that Ministries can hire, but are not reflective of actual headcount, as establishments may not be filled by Ministries even though they may be kept in anticipation of a future need. 2
GLOSSARY 22
Glossary of Terms Assets Taxes Assets Taxes refer to Property Tax and Estate Duty. Property Tax is a tax on the ownership of property and is payable by all property owners on the properties owned by them. Estate Duty is a tax on the total market value of a person's assets (cash and non-cash) at the date of his or her death. Estate Duty will not apply to a person who dies after 5 February 2008. Customs Duties Taxes on goods imported into Singapore. In Singapore, Customs Duties are principally imposed on alcoholic beverages. Development Expenditure Expenses that represent a longer-term investment or result in the formation of a capitalisable asset of the Government. Examples of spending areas are the acquisition of heavy equipment, as well as capitalisable assets, e.g. buildings and roads. Excise Duties Taxes on goods, whether manufactured in Singapore or elsewhere. In Singapore, Excise Duties are imposed principally on tobacco, petroleum products, motor vehicles and liquor to achieve social and transport policy objectives. Fiscal Impulse The fiscal impulse provides a measure of the macroeconomic impact of the Budget; a positive impulse indicates an expansionary fiscal stance while a negative impulse indicates a contractionary stance. Financial Year (FY) The Singapore Government s Financial Year 204 is from April 204 to 3 March 205. Government Endowment Fund A fund established with an injection of government monies as principal on which the income generated will be used to finance specific programmes on an ongoing basis. Examples of government endowment funds include the Community Care Endowment Fund, Edusave Endowment Fund, ElderCare Fund, Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund and Medical Endowment Fund. Government Trust Fund A fund established with an injection of government monies as principal, which is drawn down to finance specific programmes on an ongoing basis. Examples of government trust funds include the National Research Fund and the GST Voucher Fund. Motor Vehicle Taxes Motor Vehicle Taxes comprise additional registration fees, road tax, special tax on heavy-oil engines, passenger vehicle seating fees and non-motor vehicle licences, but exclude excise duties on motor vehicles which are classified under Customs and Excise Taxes. Net Investment Returns Contribution Contributions from our investment returns on our reserves, where Net Investment Returns (NIR) is the sum of: () up to 50% of the expected long-term real returns on the relevant assets specified in the Constitution; and (2) up to 50% of the Net Investment Income (NII) on the remaining assets. The NIRC allows Singaporeans to benefit from the investments of GIC and Temasek as they supplement the annual Budget. Operating Revenue Government receipts credited to the Consolidated Revenue Account and Development Fund Account, excluding investment and interest income, and capital receipts (lumpy and less regular in timing). The main components are Corporate Income Tax, Personal Income Tax and Goods and Services Tax. Operating Expenditure Expenses incurred to maintain the operations and other regular activities of the Government. Components include expenditure on manpower, other operating expenditure and operating grants to statutory boards and other institutions. 23
Other Taxes Other taxes comprise the Foreign Worker Levy, Development Charge, Annual Tonnage Tax and Water Conservation Tax. Output Gap The difference between the actual level of activity in an economy (as measured by GDP) versus the sustainable amount of activity given the capacity of the economy (i.e. the level of GDP that the economy could potentially achieve without creating unhealthy inflationary pressures). It measures the degree of resource utilisation of the economy. The output gap is typically reported as a percentage of GDP to give a sense of the proportion to which the economy is over or under capacity. Where the output gap is negative, the economy is not operating at full capacity, with higher levels of unemployment. Where the output gap is positive, it indicates that the economy is operating at over-capacity, resources are stretched and inflation pressures are strong. Statutory Boards Contributions Statutory Boards are required under the Statutory Corporations (Contributions to Consolidated Fund) Act to provide revenues not allocated to specific purposes by any written law into the Government Consolidated Fund. Total Expenditure Sum of Operating and Development Expenditure. It excludes Special Transfers unless otherwise mentioned. Withholding Tax A non-resident is liable to pay income tax on Singapore-sourced income. Under the law, when a person makes payment of a specified nature to a non-resident, he has to withhold a percentage of that payment and pay the amount withheld to IRAS. The amount withheld is called the Withholding Tax. Year of Assessment (YA) Year in which tax on the income earned in the preceding year is assessed. To promote macroeconomic stability, the Government s fiscal policies aim to be countercyclical - contractionary to prevent overheating when the economy has a positive output gap, and expansionary to stimulate growth when the economy has a negative output gap. Past Reserves The reserves not accumulated by the Government during its current term of office, with reserves being the excess of assets over liabilities. Primary Budget Position The Primary Budget Position, defined as Operating Revenue less Total Expenditure, measures the ability of the Government to meet its annual expenditures through its regular collection of revenue (taxes, fees and charges). Stamp Duty A tax imposed on commercial and legal documents relating to unlisted stocks and shares and immovable property. 24